A Royal guide to New Zealand

3 April 2014

When Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in New Zealand on 7th April, it will be their first official visit as a family, and the first visit to New Zealand for both the Duchess of Cambridge and eight-month-old Prince George.

From jet boating down the Shotover River in Queenstown to racing in Auckland’s harbour in America’s Cup Yachts, the couple look set to have an action packed trip. Follow in their footsteps with Tourism New Zealand’s insider guide to the destinations on their tour.

WELLINGTON, NORTH ISLAND
New Zealand’s capital city is also known as the nation’s arts and cultural capital, famed for its lively down-town cafés, shopping, nightlife and entertainment as well as a dramatic harbour setting.

The Royal Way: The Royal family will arrive on 7th April to a traditional Māori pōwhiri / ceremonial welcome and be based for most of their stay at Government House, making day trips around the country.

What they’re missing:
Boutique Beer Tasting - New Zealand might be best known for its award-winning wines, but Kiwis are also beer drinkers and have developed a discerning palate that has prompted a boutique brewery boom. Today there are more than 250 beers brewed in New Zealand - many have won international awards. Sample some of the best on this personalised tour of the capital’s best watering holes with a Kiwi critic.

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Cycling the Rimutaka Cycle Trail – Take to the saddle to explore one of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides. Opened in October 2013, the 115km trail from Wellington Harbour takes cyclists through bush, open countryside and rugged coastline – all on the capital’s doorstep.

‘Wellywood’ film capital tour – Wellington or ‘Wellywood’ is the centre of New Zealand’s film industry and the home of film director Peter Jackson and his world-renowned production facilities on Miramar Peninsula. Glimpse behind the scenes and visit the sites where filming began for The Lord of the Rings trilogy including the summit of Mount Victoria, which provides 360-degree views of Wellington city and its environs – on a good day you’ll see as far as the South Island. Don’t miss a visit to Weta Cave - shop front of the world famous Oscar-winning Weta Workshop.

Lodging fit for a Royal: One hour from Wellington overlooking Peka Peka beach, Atahauri is a uniquely designed lodge with just four suites hidden amongst the sand dunes. For a more value option with a Royal connection (the Queen stayed in the 1960’s) try the fittingly named Cambridge Hotel, a newly restored heritage building on Cambridge Terrace in Wellington.

Did You Know?
- Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital
- Wellington’s distinctive Beehive building - in the Parliamentary precinct - was reputedly designed during dinner on the back of a napkin